Discover which natural 'cures' can do more harm than good

Faulty Fixes

Faulty Fixes

There’s no denying the secret curing powers found in certain everyday items. Salt water, for instance, can take the sting out of a sore throat. And an oatmeal bath can ease eczema. So how about soothing a burn with butter? Not so fast. That and other common home remedies aren’t just ineffectual; they can actually exacerbate the issue. So before you go DIY on treating bad breath, colds or cuts, check out these nine tactics to avoid.

Butter for Burns

Butter for Burns

Sure, putting a cold piece of butter onto a burn sounds promising, but according to Derek van Amerongen, MD, medical director of HumanaVitality, a health and wellness company, this method practically asks for an infection. “Butter can seal bacteria in the tissue,” he explains. The kitchen staple also creates an environment for bacteria growth, irritating skin even more. If you don’t want to rely on antibiotic creams and over-the-counter meds to soothe the injury, an aloe vera plant can provide relief.